Dustin Gandof
A new home has been found for a monumental sculpture that has been turning heads since 1984. The sculpture, named MARABAR, is a landscape sculpture featuring huge granite boulders, and it has recently been moved across Washington, D.C., to its new home at American University.
MARABAR was created by American artist Elyn Zimmerman and had been residing at the National Geographic Society since its installation in 1984. The sculpture is made up of three large slabs of granite, each weighing between 25 and 50 tons, which are split in half and separated by a thin sheet of water.
The sculpture’s new location at American University has been in the works for quite some time. Plans for the move began in 2021, and American University has been preparing to host MARABAR ever since. The sculpture’s new home at the Katzen Arts Center on the university’s campus will be a prominent spot near the entrance of the building.
The move of MARABAR required significant planning and coordination. Over 225 tons of sculptural boulders had to be moved, and this involved the use of cranes, flatbed trucks, and other heavy machinery. The move was completed in early April 2023.
MARABAR has been described as an iconic work of contemporary American art, and its move to American University is a significant development for the university’s arts community. The sculpture has been praised for its dramatic yet serene presence, and its new location at the Katzen Arts Center is sure to be a popular spot for visitors and students alike.
In addition to MARABAR, American University has plans to add a new main entry pavilion and a rentable rooftop garden to the Katzen Arts Center. These improvements will help to make the arts center a more prominent and welcoming destination for visitors to the university.
Overall, the move of MARABAR to American University marks a significant moment in the university’s history and in the ongoing story of this landmark work of art. The sculpture’s new location is sure to inspire awe and contemplation among those who come to visit it, and it will stand as a testament to the creativity and vision of its creator, Elyn Zimmerman.
